2 Responses to “Why the Suffering?”

What is compassion then? Is it compassionate to leave people to suffer in pain without pain killers and medical help as Mother Teresa did in her missions due to her belief that suffering is beautiful and poor people should be accepting their lot, suffering like Christ?

When it comes to Mother Teresa, it is not the question of patience, I’m afraid. To me it is more about misinterpretation of religious writings with some religious leaders and ambassadors unnecessarily prolonging the suffering even when it is possible to change that. Bible is very clear on that: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…” (Romans 12:2) which clearly calls all of us to put effort into making this world a better place for everyone. Compassion is not about passively ‘witnessing’ suffering – it is about relieving it and helping people.

Yes, compassion is not about passively witnessing suffering if you are called to do more. Still, without suffering there would be no need of compassion, passive or otherwise. All I am suggesting is that some good can come of it even if I cannot understand all the reasons behind it.

Mother Theresa’s mode of operation has drawn a lot of fire lately but without her efforts, there might not be a conversation about it at all.